Why are varicose veins serious?

Varicose veins are serious because if left untreated, symptoms or complications of varicose veins include:

a buildup of fluid and swelling in the leg

significant swelling and calf pain after sitting or standing for a long time

skin color changes around the ankles and lower legs

dry, stretched, swollen, itching, or scaling skin

superficial thrombophlebitis (when a blood clot and inflammation develop in a small vein near the surface of the skin)

open sores (ulcerations)

bleeding and/or bruising after a minor injury

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Varicose veins are tied to chronic venous insufficiency, says interventional cardiologist Rajendran Sabapathy, MD, of Overland Park Regional Medical Center. In this video, he explains when you should see a vein specialist to diagnose venous disease.

For the most part, varicose veins are not serious or harmful. If they cause you pain, you should see your doctor. Furthermore, complications can develop. Open sores, known as skin ulcers, and blood clots can be further complications of varicose veins. You can also develop a rash that causes itching.The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nor does the contents of this website constitute the establishment of a physician patient or therapeutic relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Continue Learning about Spider Veins and Varicose Veins

Large twisted blue or purplish veins visible at the skins surface are known as varicose veins. Any vein in your body can become varicose but it usually occurs in the legs and feet due to the pressure the lower body endures to keep ...

your body upright. It is caused by the weakening of the valves and veins in your legs. Varicose veins are usually hereditary. We are also more prone to get varicose veins as we age. Symptoms include itching, burning, throbbing or cramping in the legs and around the veins. Self-care measures such as exercising, elevating your legs, and wearing compression stockings are used to ease the pain and prevent varicose veins from getting worse. If these measures dont work, see your doctor to discuss medical treatments that are available to close or remove varicose veins.

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Spider Veins and Varicose Veins

Large twisted blue or purplish veins visible at the skins surface are known as varicose veins. Any vein in your body can become varicose but it usually occurs in the legs and feet due to the pressure the lower body endures to keep your body upright. It is caused by the weakening of the valves and veins in your legs. Varicose veins are usually hereditary. We are also more prone to get varicose veins as we age. Symptoms include itching, burning, throbbing or cramping in the legs and around the veins. Self-care measures such as exercising, elevating your legs, and wearing compression stockings are used to ease the pain and prevent varicose veins from getting worse. If these measures dont work, see your doctor to discuss medical treatments that are available to close or remove varicose veins.